SuperComp Elite 6 vs Vaporfly 4

New Balance swapped almost everything under the foot for this version, and reviewers noticed. The SC Elite v6 gets a new foam, a reworked carbon plate and a big cut in weight, and most testers called it a clear step up from the SuperComp Elite v5, which one reviewer had found closer to a trainer than a race shoe. It's now a proper carbon racer, light and springy, with a front end that won't bend. Where it works best is less settled. Doctors of Running's two testers graded it A and A-, and one would race it anywhere from 5K to the marathon. RTINGS was cooler on the long stuff, finding the forefoot cushioning only just enough for a full marathon and rating it higher for shorter races. So if you're quick and land on your midfoot, it's a strong marathon shoe. If you land on your heel and want protection in the last few miles, a softer racer will look after your legs better. At £230 RRP it sits with the most expensive racers, so check the price table before you buy.

The fourth Vaporfly is a shorter-race shoe now, whatever its marathon reputation says. Nike took it lower and firmer, and at 190g it's a very light carbon racing shoe to wear. Reviewers mostly agree the slimmer midsole suits 5k to half marathon better than 26.2. The Run Testers rated it best around the half and thought it short of cushioning for a full marathon unless you like a lower shoe. Believe in the Run graded its performance an A and its design a C, which is a fair summary: quick, but the heel fit lets it down. If you race shorter distances and found the v3 too soft, this is the better Vaporfly for you. If the marathon is your main event, the Alphafly 3 gives you more underfoot for the back half. The RRP is £260, and the price table below shows what UK retailers are asking now.